Nonpoint source pollution is also called "people pollution"
because much of it is the result of activities that people do everyday.
With each rainfall, pollutants are washed from surface and land areas
into storm drains that flow into our nearby waterways. Because each individual
contributes to nonpoint source pollution simply by performing daily activities,
it is not surprising that nonpoint source pollution is the biggest threat
to our ponds, creeks, lakes, streams, rivers, bays, estuaries and oceans.

The good news is that we can all help prevent "people pollution"!
Simple lifestyle changes can make a tremendous difference in the quality
of our water and air resources. Here are a few simple changes we can all
make to help minimize nonpoint source pollution in the environment.

In the Home

Common household products (drain and oven cleaners, paint products/thinners,
cleaning agents, pesticides, mothballs, etc.) contain toxic ingredients.
When these products are overused or improperly discarded they pose a threat
to your indoor air, public health, and the environment.

For example, some people think the periodic use of a toxic drain cleaner
will prevent clogging when simply pouring a kettle of boiling water down
the drain can be just as effective. If a drain is plugged, try using a
plunger and put some muscle into it before resorting to strong chemicals!
Another remedy for a clogged drain is to pour a ½ cup of baking soda into
the drain first, then slowly pour in a ½ cup of white vinegar, let it
stand for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.

Liquid products such as paints, paint thinners, oils, etc, should never
be thrown down drains, toilets, or stormdrains. These products should
be sealed in leak free containers and properly discarded. Contact your
local or county government to find out how to dispose of these substances
properly. Many City Sanitation Departments will not pick up any liquids
and suggest mixing Kitty Litter into the liquid to convert it to a solid.

Washing full loads of laundry or dishes is more energy and water efficient.
Please avoid small loads. It also helps to use environmentally safe products
such as biodegradable and phosphate free detergents.

Take a moment to read product labels when shopping. Try to select products
that have little packaging, are aerosol free, and recyclable items. Products
contained in easily recyclable containers such as metals, glass, and certain
plastics, are a preferred choice. Some examples of products that cannot
be recycled are aerosol cans, plastic coated paper cartons, paper coated
aluminum bags, and unfortunately juice boxes, a very popular item.

We shouldn't waste water by throwing bathroom trash/cigarettes down the
toilet. The wastepaper basket is the best place to dispose this type of
garbage. Some folks keep the water running to cool or warm baby bottles,
wash vegetables, brush their teeth, etc. Why??? These activities can be
done by keeping water in a pot or cup.

Septic systems are a common method of wastewater disposal. If the septic
tank is not maintained and pumped periodically, the leach field can become
clogged with solids and contaminate ground water as well as create public
health problems. If you own a septic system, be especially careful not
to dump toxic materials such as paint thinners, pesticides, or chlorine
into your system since they may kill the needed bacteria in your tank.
Also, avoid adding bathroom trash/solids, unnecessary grease, and food
waste into the system. Repair any leaking fixtures and use water reducing
fixtures to minimize the amount of water the system needs to treat.

Remember that when we use electricity or burn gas or oil, we are contributing
to air pollution which becomes water pollution. Pollutants such as Nitrogen
(N), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), are generated and are
eventually deposited on land and water, can create acid rain, and may
contribute to global warming. Each individual can easily benefit from
replacing old windows or doors, or simply using inexpensive weatherstripping
around drafty areas. This will minimize indoor/outdoor air transfer and
will help keep a warmer house in the winter and a cooler home in the summer.
If you keep an air conditioner in a window year round, you may need to
insulate and cover it to avoid air leaks. We can live more comfortable
lives, save a lot of money, and substantially reduce energy consumption
simply by making our homes draft free!

In the Driveway

When changing car engine oil, remember that the oil is toxic to humans,
plants, and animals. Do not dump used motor oil down drains, storm drains,
or on the ground. It is illegal too! It has been estimated that every
three weeks, more oil is deposited on driveways and streets in the United
States than the Exxon Valdez Oil spill in Alaska!! Please treat other
automobile liquids with the same precautions. Most service stations accept
used oil or you can recycle used motor oil at your local recycling center.

When washing your car at home, use small amounts of non-phosphate detergents.
Concentrations of phosphates in our waters ultimately cause fish and shellfish
to die. Consider using a commercial carwash that recycles its wash water.

In the Yard or Garden

Fertilizers are commonly overused products containing nitrates and phosphates
that cause plants and algae to grow or "bloom"in ponds or other
waterways. That may sound nice, but fish need oxygen to live. When these
algae die and decompose, oxygen is consumed leaving little or no oxygen
for aquatic habit. This results in area fish kills. So let's not over
apply fertilizers and never apply fertilizers before a heavy rainfall.

Plants and grasses are able to obtain the maximum amount of nutrients
when soil pH is maintained between 6.0 and 7.0. The pH tells you if water
or soil is acidic or alkaline. The pH ranges from 0-14 with a pH of 7.0
being neutral. Low pH, below 6.0 is acidic and can be raised by adding
lime. Lime makes the soil more receptive to pesticides, reducing the amount
of pesticides that may be needed. Soil ph test kits and lime are available
at local garden centers.

Many products made to exterminate bugs and pests are also toxic to humans,
animals, aquatic organisms, and plants. If you apply pesticides to plants
properly, they can have little impact to the environment. If pesticides
are found in our waters, it is probably due to overuse or application
at the wrong time. Please read pesticide labels carefully and use alternatives
whenever possible.

Consider planting drought-resistant native trees, plants, and grasses.
They tend to be low maintenance, healthier for area wildlife, and also
quite beautiful. Overall, native species support a healthier ecosystem.

You can conserve water if you water your lawn/garden during cooler hours
of the day as in the early morning or evenings. The vegetation will have
a better opportunity to absorb the water before it evaporates in the heat
of the day.

Composting is a very easy way to manage yard and food waste, and it gives
you back enriched soil that my mom calls, "black gold"!! You
can buy a small composter or make your own a compost pile. Be careful
where you choose to place a compost pile because it can attract critters.
I've heard of successful compost piles on top of buildings in NYC!!

In the Streets

LITTER! Oh please don't litter!!!! The streets are not our garbage can.
Litter from the streets will go into storm drains and eventually end up
in our nearby waters. If you notice litter filled streets after a garbage
collection, keep in mind that sometimes sanitation workers accidentally
drop garbage onto the streets because people don't tie up their garbage
properly. Be conscious to properly dispose of even the smallest amount
of litter, cigarette butts, and pet waste. Pet wastes are a significant
cause of nutrient contamination and contain bacteria and viruses which
can cause harm to people and aquatic life. Pet owners should use vegetated
areas to walk pets, scoop up the pet waste and then dispose the waste
in the toilet if possible.

At the Beach/Parks

When
relaxing at the beach, remember that the next high tide will take away
what you have left behind. We should be extra careful not to leave anything
on the beach because we are making a direct impact to the place that we
came to enjoy! Food wrappings, beverage containers, diapers, sanitary
supplies, and cigarette butts should all be properly disposed. If you
can't volunteer time to participate in beach or park clean up days, then
take an extra moment to leave each place you visit even cleaner than when
you found it.

Some forms of water recreational activities also contribute to poor water
quality. The old 2 cycle motors have been said to cause more pollution
in two hours than a car running for an entire year!! Newer engines coming
on the market today are much cleaner. While they cost more to buy, their
cost of operation is less than the older polluting engines.

Do you know that we shouldn't feed certain birds, namely geese?? Feeding
geese attracts larger populations, causes birds not to migrate, and leads
to more wastes impacting the water. Don't worry, nature provided a meal
plan for these creatures.

In your Car

Some people spend a lot of time in their car and understandably, they
want to keep their car clean. Throwing garbage out of your car window
and onto highways, ramps, and streets is really unsightly! Keep a garbage
bag in the car and use your ashtrays. Throw it all away into the trash
when it's full and spare people the disappointment of seeing someone casually
pollute the streets because you want a clean car. We all like to have
clean cars but not at the expense of the environment. Knowing that our
automobiles are the #1 cause of air pollution in some areas should prompt
us to use mass transportation or car pool whenever possible.

Conclusion

Remember that everything we do can have a positive or negative impact
on the environment. Every person is a consumer and we all naturally contribute
to pollution. Many of us have acquired habits that contribute significantly
to the degradation of our environment without even realizing. We must
make efforts to become informed, change our habits, and teach others how
we can naturally live our lives with environmentally conscious minds and
habits that will benefit ourselves and future generations.